Join our virtual 80’s party
August 8th, 2008The strongest trend over the last few seasons has been the revival of ‘80’s street style. It’s hard to believe that “the decade of anti-fashion” serves as an inspiration to creative fashion designers today. But the key word is “inspiration”. The trends we see coming through today are a cut above the tasteless and unflattering ensembles most of us wore 20 to 25 years ago.
80’s fashion was awful in many respects, but I loved it at the time. So to mark the end of another season of 80’s revival, we’re throwing a virtual YLF party. Come as an 80’s icon or create your own deliciously dreadful 80’s outfit. I’ll be turned out much as I was in 1985:
- Shocking pink, boxy V-neck pullover tucked into high-waisted, tapered, ankle-length, front pleated white pants.
- Mile high shoulder pads, white plastic bangles, pink dangly earrings and a turquoise studded belt.
- Pink plastic, pointy picklewickers over thin white rolled down ankle socks for my feet.
- Neon pink lipstick, green eyeliner and teased, sprayed hair to finish off the look. I can barely see you through my curtain of a fringe.
Thankfully, the decade with the worst fashion had the best music. It’s a night of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Wham, U2, Ultravox, the Thomson Twins, Brian Ferry, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Simple Minds. Everyone’s invited, but first you have to share what you’ll be wearing. I will choose my favourite outfit and showcase it on the blog next week.
August 8th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Angie! What a fabulous idea! All I miss is Cindy Lauper singing “Girls, they wanna have fun!”. So I am joining in dressed in turquoise shoulder pad oversized tshirt, tugged in toowidetooshort rolled up high waist pants, white ankle socks in a bright pink shoes.
A lot of oversize plastic jewelry, pearly pink lipstic and we can start rocking!
August 8th, 2008 at 7:15 am
I’m coming to the party with my sweatshirt collar cut open enough over one shoulder, big plastic white earrings, white stirrup pants and keds. (think Flashdance) On the way to the party, I’ll be wondering if Angie was even old enough in the 80’s to wear makeup??
August 8th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Well, I was under 10 for most of that decade, so I’d have to come dressed as an 80s second grader.
I’ll come in leggings and an oversized/long sweatshirt (no pants). Purple shoes, and a side ponytail. Maybe some hot pink lip gloss, since it is a party, after all. 
August 8th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Oooh, I had to really think about this one. I think my outfit would be:
* a kelly green benetton tunic sweater (with shoulder pads!) with bright purple cuffs and abstract bright colored shapes apliqued all over
* my light wash skinny Guess jeans with zippers at the cuffs
* Funky keds with rolled socks (I always had to roll them after my mom dropped me off for school because she hated the look)
* bright blue eyeshadow with blue mascara
* my bangs rolled back with a curling iron and hairsprayed stiff
* a lacy neon scarf tied in my hair like a headband with a gigantic bow (a la Madonna)
You’re right, *sigh* at least the music was good
August 8th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Mine would be:
*Rick Astley T-shirt, hanging off the shoulder
*Luminous orange and pink plastic bangles, and probably similar earrings
*pink and white striped leg warmers
*maroon pixie boots
*striped jeans
*permed on top mullet hairstyle
Oh my goodness and I thought that was really cool! Cringe!
August 8th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Thanks for the invite to the party!
I’ll be wearing stirrup pants with a rainbow colored design of tiny diamonds on them. Pink suspenders will be attached to the gigantic buttons sewed on to the very high waist. I’ll be wearing a neon blue collared shirt with the collar up–of course!! Plastic ballet flats (jellies!), and plastic geometric earrings in black that match my oversized black plastic beads. I’ll finish off the look with my hair cut into such a severe bob it looks as though my hair was cut with a lawn mower. The bangs will be firmly curled up away from my forehead. I’ll also spray on some Jean Nate or Love’s Baby Soft. I’ll probably be carrying a boom box playing the soundtrack to Flashdance. Please ignore the large collection of Sweet Valley High books in my Ciao bag–I’m certain to have style points removed for my lowbrow literary tastes at the time.
Can’t wait!
August 8th, 2008 at 7:38 am
I mostly spent the 80’s preggers or with baby&toddler but remember my jump suits with massive shoulder pads, pants with tapered legs and pleats and oversized boxy jackets.
I’ll come in my rayon navy ankle-length tapered pants with matching tunic length boxy jacket with shoulder pads and big patch pockets; a polyester red, white and navy striped bow blouse also with shoulder pads; and navy and jute espadrilles…my best outfit. Only jewelry since babies grab would be pearl stud earrings.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Party time! I plan to wear my favorite UNITS outfit: three cotton knit pieces. Boxy top and knee length elastic waist skirt in white with seafoam green polkadots. The 15″ waistband/belt is solid seafoam green and scrunched. My permed hair is in a banana clip. Big gold earrings and white Keds. And of course a big colorful handbag handpainted with a Southwestern wolf howling to the moon.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I’m impressed with these outfits! We ARE girls having fun, Basia.
Nan, I was 15 in 1985 so plenty old enough to wear make-up!
Keri, I knew you in the 80’s and my heart skipped a beat as I remember us doing sit-ups in Baxter Hall (dorm room) to Rick Astley with your very 80’s mullet!!!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I did wear this to a party. A teal colored, shiny fabric, long sleeved, wrap style jump suit, with big shoulder pads and tapered to the ankle legs. (A real hassle when it was time to go to the bathroom)
Hair blown dry in a mullet style.
I loved to listen to Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield belt out ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This” on my new CD player.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Oh and to finish it off, plain black leather semi-pointed low heel black pumps and hoop earrings.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I was in China then so I missed the whole thing entirely. I’ll watch you gals and learn what 80’s style look like. Have fun!
August 8th, 2008 at 9:11 am
The Cosmopolitan Martinis are on me, everyone!!!!!
August 8th, 2008 at 9:53 am
hmm, I was only 5 by the end of the decade, but I do have some vague memories. Am I crazy or was orange lipstick actually a trend back then? I seem to remember seeing it a lot…so much in fact that I asked my mom for it. She finally gave in by giving me orange Chapstick and I was satisfied.
Call me in another ten years for a 90’s fashion party. I have my aqua shirt clip and scrunchies lying around here somewhere.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Ladies, I am on my way to the party fresh from a Depeche Mode concert! I have on my two-tone jeans, an oversize white oxford shirt with the super large belt on the outside and hanging at an angle. Complimenting my outfit are my favorite granny boots and hundreds of those thin, rubbery-type bracelets made famous by Madonna.
Long Live the Class of ‘87!!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Oh how fun! My hair is short and died platinum blond, teased to high heaven, with some blue streaks in the front, and a neon pink scarf wrapped around as a head band. I’m wearing mascara, lots of eyeliner and lip gloss. I’m wearing at least two layers of tops, probably a loose black tank top (maybe with some purposefully created rips) over a long-sleeved top, and a neon pink tutu over a black and white polka dot leggings. My bag has lots of buttons pinned to it, including a Blondie one (Deborah Harry), maybe a Cure one, and some political statement ones. I can’t wait to go to the disco, smoke lots of cigarettes and hit on boys and girls alike. Good times…
August 8th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I am wearing hot pink and white hi-top reeboks with double laces–one in hot pink, one in white, of course, as well as alternating layers of double socks, one in hot pink, one white. Tight rolls on my jeans and a t-shirt with one of those fabulous t-shirt clips…here I found a photo: http://www.funwirks.com/TSHIRT%20SLIDE.jpg. Of course this is in hot pink, as well. The shirt has to be ESPRIT, because nothing else is cool enough, and the jeans are definitely GUESS. And I my hair is in a side ponytail with a shoelace hair clip (image here http://www.hairutopia.com/stor.....ce_MED.jpg) in bright flourescents, including hot pink of course, and I have curled my bangs upward and teased them to the side. Let me get my ESPRIT book bag and I’m ready for school.
August 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Oh no! I forgot my blue eye shadow!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Who says the’80 had no style - I’m just picturing all these lovely ladies in their finest frocks and socks and loving all the hair products we’re putting in our hair too!
To this party I’m wearing (and did wear - lol) my purple knit jumpsuit, giant shoulder pads, with sleeves that tapered to the wrists, draping and wrap around, making a v-neck to the waist, a fabulous grey croc and suede wide shaped belt with the point of it pointing up to accentuate the cleavage, the pant legs tapering to the ankle with lovely grey high heeled suede mules by Candies on my feet, course with purple sparkle polish on my toes and nails. To accentuate the ensemble, a toursade of purple, grey and silver beads thick around the neck, in earrings and a huge silver cuff. And of course, Heather Locklear stole MY feathered back hairstyle (remember TJ Hooker-Yikes) - but for heaven’s sakes, we thought we were HOT!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
OMG - I forgot the matching purple eyeshadow and bright pink lipstick - you know I would have NEVER gone to the disco without it!
August 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Well, first I must take my permed hair out of my electric rollers. . . . .next, I will don my black Limited stirrups with my black patent flats. My purple/black houndstooth, double breasted, tunic jacket/top with large black buttons will be next. I’ll finish off the look with my ultra-large, shiny earrings. Talk about an inverted triangle!!!!! This is fun!!
August 8th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for the drinks Nan! All age groups are welcome - I’m glad you joined in Ana. Florescent lipstick was indeed a trend back then, Maya. Sad but true.
Well, well, well. This is going to be hard. Loads of glorious 80’s outfits at this bash. My outfit is tame compared to some of you lot. By the way, Simon le Bon is making a guest appearance tonight, so Save a Prayer.
http://www.youlookfab.com/welo.....replies=18
August 8th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I’m in!
I’m wearing my purple and black buffalo check jumpsuit.
It features shoulder pads, pleats, and tapered legs.
My dangly plastic earrings have a paint splattered effect.
My hair is big and curly-so theres lots of hair.
Pointy toe black flats complete my look.
Later on my young son found the jumpsuit and wore it as a costume (cringe).
BTW, I could listen to Dusty belt out “What Have I Done to Deserve This” all day still.
August 8th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Well, I had 3 looks:
Work: My favorite was the Dolman sleeve dress in browns with splashes of blue, loose on top and tight at the hips. Blue earrings to match, of course.
Going out: I admit I had a black and white stripe super tight mini-dress with a wide elastic black belt, worn with black stockings and heels.
Mom clothes: High waisted jeans with narrow ankles paired with a striped top with a polo collar and elastic waist band.
And don’t forget the spiky hair and the purple sparkly blush. Man, do we look gorgeous or what!
August 8th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I’d probably do a Joan Jett look.
I can also curl my lip into a snarl like Billy Idol.
August 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I graduated from HS in 1986…so I’m well equipped to pick an outfit for this outfit. I’ll start at the top and work my way down…
My hair is very BIG–flipped and feathered with a very curled under bang. So much hairspray, that I need to avoid open flames like the plague.
I have purple eyeliner on that extends well past the corners of my eyes, and of course blue mascara and pink and purple eye shadow. Pink streaks of blush flush my cheeks. Big silver hoop earrings that you can barely see thru my scrunched big hair.
I’m wearing my favorite top from highschool…it’s black with silver snaps down one side of a turned down collar, tunic length worn, of course, with a black and silver hip belt. My jeans are stretch black jeans, skin tight–(we called them roofer jeans back in day, cuz you had to jump off a roof to get into them!). I have on my fringed suede mocs with the zippers up the back.
Oh to be 16 again!
August 9th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
What a fab party! Now first, I have to make an appointment to get my spiral perm touched up (even though I already have naturally wavy hair, every 80’s girl knows that I must add *at least* 3 inches of height with my hair).
And on my way back from the salon, I’m going to stop at the store and buy a gallon of Aqua Net.
Then I’m going to go home and put on my Esprit, puffy-sleeved, giant-shoulder-padded blouse in giant pink polka dotted print. And then, naturally, I’m going to wrap a very wide pink patent leather belt around my waist and pull the blouse up so I look like cinched garbage sack. With that I shall wear my acid washed Jordache jeans rolled up at the cuffs to show off my neon pink slouchy socks and white Capezio shoes. Then comes the neon green fingerless gloves, and not one but two Swatch watches to offset the blob of jelly bracelets on the other wrist.
I will complete the look with some amazing shoulder-duster earrings and gobs of plastic beads around my neck. I’m then going to shellack my gigantic hair into a banana clip and apply my pink eyeshadow and purple eyeliner and about a half a tube of Maybelline Great Lash.
(The latter being the ONLY item I still find useful in 2008.)
And you’re right, the 80’s tunes still rock! (I just saw Duran Duran a couple months ago, actually!)
August 10th, 2008 at 10:54 am
well……if you must know, i was the girl who wore every type of spandex possible! I had cropped leggings which i wore with a cropped t-shirt ( gasp!) and i had little black kitten heels that i wore with them. i’m not sure if i was trying to be as “naked” as possible or if i was just SO into all things Footloose and Pretty in Pink that i tried to make my own way. OF COURSE my bangs were about 2 feet off my forehead curled IN BOTH directions! I , of course, loved New Edition ( of the Bobby Brown fame) and i was an avid Janet Jackson fan as well…Madonna and Like a Virgin might have been the inspiration for my white double belts with metallic studs. I was a slave to fashion. A very badly dressed slave…
August 10th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Okay, here’s my entry (based entirely on historical fact):
* Forenza floral sweatshirt, too large, hanging off one shoulder
* Left arm: 37 neon rubber bracelets
* Right arm: the banana-scented pale yellow Swatch watch
* Guess jeans peg-legged by folding over the hem and rollin’ ‘em up.
* LL Bean blucher mocs with the laces rolled into little spirals
* White tote bag with rainbow-colored “ESPRIT” logo
* long hair, permed with bangs Aqua-Net lacquered into a “claw” cascading over my forehead
* teal “Wet N’ Wild” eye liner
* blissful naivete as to how bad I actually looked
August 12th, 2008 at 7:22 am
[…] 80’s party was great and everyone looked fabulous. Thanks for joining in and making an effort to come in […]
August 12th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I was born in ’85, so I’ll go with my 4-year-old favorite outfit. I’ll be wearing a seafoam green t-shirt with a matching short skirt, and blue jelly shoes. My hair will be bobbed with thick bangs and a colorful plastic clip in it. Too young for makeup, but I have tons of plastic bracelets.